Heads Up Puzzles, (www.headsuppuzzles.com), a Bellevue, WA based company has created a product that adds a unique twist to a favorite pastime, and one that is rapidly gaining notoriety from caregivers in the geriatric field. Program & Activity Directors of retirement and assisted living communities are finding that the upright magnetic puzzles, provide many great benefits for the elderly both in their care and enjoyment of life. Heads Up Puzzles provides magnetic jigsaw puzzles with a portable stand. The upright format allows for those to once again enjoy jigsaw puzzles who need to either sit upright or in bed, hence the name "Heads Up". The pieces stay in place and the puzzle can be easily moved, stored and restarted at another time. The upright format also puts less strain on the neck and shoulders providing a more ergonomic approach. The pieces are larger than usual puzzle pieces which make them easier to see and to handle. Different sizes of magnetic puzzles are available, providing for the ability to complete in a single session, great for imparting the sense of accomplishment rather than failure.

In addition to the many wonderful age-appropriate and tranquil stock images available, Heads Up Puzzles creates custom jigsaw puzzles. A custom puzzle of either family, friends or memorable events can be a wonderful and therapeutic gift everyone can enjoy and especially those suffering from Alzheimer's. Recent studies have confirmed that memory stimulating activities are beneficial for the aging and wonderful for Alzheimer patients and Heads Up Puzzles has created a product that targets just that need.

Caregivers, like Brenda, are enthused by the unique benefits provided by Heads Up Puzzles. "This product was an absolutely wonderful find!  The puzzles make great gifts for elderly people or those whose physical activity is limited.  There are dozens of standard designs to choose from, and custom options are also available. The puzzle pieces are larger than usual and thus easier to work with, and the stand is very easy to assemble or store in a flattened form.  I was desperate for something to give to friends in nursing homes, and was ecstatic when I found these puzzles to be the perfect gift."    - Brenda Hillyer - Hendersonville, NC.

We caught up with the founder of Heads Up Puzzles, Paul Johnson at the 2010 AAHSA show (American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging) and asked him how he came up with the idea. " I have to give partial credit to my mother, one day I was accompanying her on a doctors appointment and while in the waiting room I noticed some traditional jigsaw puzzles on a table, I mentioned what a great idea. My mom quickly remarked, "not for me, I have trouble bending my neck over, I haven't done a jigsaw puzzle in years." Paul thought, "what if we were to make them upright, a more ergonomic approach so those having trouble bending over could once again enjoy jigsaw puzzles", and hence Heads Up Puzzles was created. "What has been inspiring is hat although originally developed with comfort in mind, our customers have realized many other benefits". One such benefit is the ability to enjoy the puzzle long after it is completed, especially for those wonderful custom puzzles. You can display the puzzle upright on a shelf, table or even hang it on the wall.